On Saturday, April 25th at 2:30 p.m., LeAnn Rimes will be performing at Bonney Field, 1600 Exposition Boulevard, Sacramento, CA. Special guests will include Neal McCoy, Kellie Pickler, Phil Vassar, Kristian Bush, and Keith Anderson.
When asked what the audience can expect from her live performance, Rimes explained that her concerts are like an intimate one-on-one conversation with her as an artist. She looks at each performance as a way of storytelling: “I’m an open book through my music,” she said. Rimes used to follow a set list, but now she enjoys playing off the crowd. She connects with the audience and they get to know her personally through her music. Rimes has a great love of all types of music and admires the work of many artists: “I cover Janis Joplin’s version of Summertime, and that’s probably one of my favorite songs to perform live.”
Rimes describes her drive as an artist as an intrinsic part of her nature: “It’s like food for me,” she said, necessary for her existence. Rimes said, “It’s amazing to create something out of nothing, to turn an idea into a song.” She tries to take any negative experiences from her life and turn them into something positive. “I’m happiest when I’m creating; it’s something I can’t stop doing.”
Although she is internationally known as a sweetheart of country music, she strives to make good music, regardless of the genre. Rimes explained that a lot has changed since the early day of her career, both personally and in her music. She started performing at such a young age and over the years she has learned, evolved, and grown into herself. “My voice is way different now. It’s stronger now, and the stories behind it are stronger,” said Rimes. “When you’re young, you’re not comfortable in your skin. Now I’ve come into my own as an artist and as a woman.”
Rimes has been singing since she was a little girl, and one of the most significant and impactful songs she remembers singing during childhood is Judy Garland’s rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Her love of singing and dedication to her art helped her break into the music industry at a very young age. She said, “It’s incredibly hard, and I think it’s harder now.” Although it is difficult to get a foothold the industry, Rimes does have some advice for aspiring singers, songwriters, and musicians. She explained the importance of getting out there in front of people and getting as much exposure as possible. “You have to stand out and be your own person, your own artist. And you have to offer something that’s not already out there. … You have to hone your craft so when the time comes you’re completely ready.”
As a well-known country music star, Rimes has ample experience with the pressures of celebrity. But she says it is easier now than in the early days of her career. She said the pressure is “not as strong now as an adult. It can be hard to tune it out, but I’m more at ease now.” She’s accepted that the paparazzi are always there; that is the reality of living in LA. Of course, she wishes they wouldn’t photograph her when she’s out in her sweats, but she’s accepted it and they’ve faded into the background of her life.
When Rimes isn’t touring the globe and wowing audiences with her powerful vocals, she and her family love to take advantage of one of the greatest benefits of living in California: relaxing at the beach. Rimes also loves to cook in her spare time. Although she spends so much of her time on a tour bus, her husband convinced her that they should buy an RV and she is thoroughly enjoying that experience: “It’s different and so fun. You can go wherever you want, whenever want,” she said.
Speaking about her most recent album, Spitfire, Rimes said, “It’s the first project, musically, that felt like a complete thought.” The process of creating the album “felt great; it was really cathartic.” In particular, Rimes said that the song “Borrowed” changed her whole life. She explained that the whole album seemed to write itself with all the emotions she was experiencing, which helped shape her as a songwriter: “It’s incredibly honest. … I didn’t know I could go there, that I would allow myself to go there.”
The audience at Rimes’ upcoming Sacramento show can expect an amazing performance. Don’t miss your chance to see this vocal powerhouse and hear her stories expressed through song. The show will be held at Bonney Field on Saturday, April 25th at 2:30 p.m. General admission tickets are on sale now for $40 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com/leann-rimes-sacramento-california-04-25-2015/event/1C004E51D3E16B12.
